Jillian Settle

hi there! I'm Jillian Settle, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California. My primary goal with new clients is to create a safe and supportive environment to process challenging feelings and thoughts and explore issues related to life transitions, anxiety, past trauma, relationship difficulties, and more. These are challenging times and many of us need support.

My approach

I work from a person-centered lens, which means that I believe you have the capacity and self-knowledge for personal growth. I will start getting to know you using curiosity, empathy, and warmth to ensure you feel seen and heard. Through my use of CBT, I work with my clients to unpack challenging thoughts, and feelings, and identify patterns that may be contributing to distress. CBT illuminates the various ways our thoughts can add to our suffering and offers both coping skills and new ways of thinking and behaving that will improve your ability to handle what life throws your way. I may also use a somatic lens to increase your self-awareness of what happens in your body as you navigate stress. Our bodies are often wise guides that can help us tune into what needs attention or what we have been avoiding. Mindfulness is a key tool that can be helpful in both uncovering what's coming up for you and expanding your ability to tolerate life stressors.

My focus

I typically work with clients experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression, life transitions, and those wanting to explore themselves in support of living more authentic lives.

My communication style

I am mostly non-directive, intent on creating a safe space, and want clients to show up as they are. With me, there is no rush to find an answer or reach a destination before you feel ready. I provide empathy, compassion, and understanding.

My journey to mental healthcare

I originally wanted to become a therapist after experiencing some healing therapy myself, as a client. As a child, I experienced a traumatic loss that impacted my own development, functioning, and family relationships. What moves me about this work is being able to sit with others as they experience difficult feelings, to help them feel less alone.

My goals for you

I strive to co-create treatment plans and goals so that we are on the same page about what our work together will look like.

My first session with you

During our first session, we will begin with brief introductions and some assessment questions to get a sense of the issues that have brought you to therapy. I will ask you about your past experiences with therapy and your current goals, enabling us to co-create a roadmap for our work together and determine if I am the best fit for your concerns.